Souk Semmarine

From the north side of Jemaa el-Fna, an arch leads you into Souk Semmarine, the main artery of the Marrakech markets. From here the street branches into dozens of specialised souks.

1A souk for every trade

Traditionally, each street brought together one guild: blacksmiths, dyers, tanners, spice sellers. Some names still recall it: the Souk des Teinturiers, of the dyers, the Souk Haddadine, of the blacksmiths, or the Souk Attarine, of the perfumers and spice merchants. Semmarine was devoted mainly to textiles and today mixes clothing, crafts and souvenirs.

For centuries the souks worked as an orderly system. Each guild had its head, the amin, while the muhtasib, a market inspector, kept an eye on weights, prices and quality.

2Filtered light

The slatted roof isn't just decorative: it shields shoppers from the summer sun, when temperatures in Marrakech easily pass forty degrees, while letting the air through. The result is the striped light you see in so many photographs.

3Finding your way

Keep going straight north and you'll reach Rahba Kedima and the Ben Youssef area. Haggling is part of the ritual, but take your time and do it with a smile. If someone offers to guide you without being asked, expect them to ask for a tip.

4What to look for

• The striped shadows cast by the roof.
• The handcarts that still keep the shops supplied.
• The souk signs on the corners, naming each guild.